For failing to comply with the country’s new law determining the organisation and functioning of faith-based organisations, over 5,600 places of worship have been shut down by Rwandan authorities in the last few weeks.
Also closed are 100 caves churches, according to a recent report by The New Times.
The action was part of a two-week nationwide operation by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), on July 29.
RGB Chief Executive, Usta Kaitesi, said it was discovered that most of the affected organisations lacked basic infrastructure, as well as proper hygiene and safety standards, while others were in illegal operation.
“This is an ongoing nationwide operation for those churches that remain non-compliant with the law. As RGB we are not deterred by any effort in the pursuit of having proper standards of places of worship,” Kaitesi said on public broadcaster RBA.
Wondering why some Christians gather in dilapidated structures such as tents and caves, the RBG official said, “the idea is that people should understand that these are not healthy ways of worship.”
He added, “This is not just about non-compliance with the law, but it also puts the lives of the worshippers at risk. Worshippers should not be exposed to hazards. According to the faith of most Christians, God is omnipresent, why should a worshipper risk their life inside a cave?”
What the law says
The law, which came into effect in 2018, demands that places of worship should operate in an “organised way and a safe environment,” and prohibits noise pollution.
It also compels all religious leaders to acquire requisite theological training.
At the time the law was enacted no fewer than 700 churches were initially shut because they could not meet the set standards.
Hard on Churches
Kaitesi said the RGB is taken a tough stance because churches had five years to fully comply with the provisions of law.
“We held a consultative meeting with the Rwanda Inter-Religious Council (RIC) towards the end of 2023, during which we reminded them to comply with the provisions of the law. While some churches continue to abide, we still see people worshipping from dilapidated places. For example, we have so far shut down 100 (cave churches),” he said.
The New Times quoted the Methodist Church leader, Dieudonne Mutunzi, as saying that the RGB operation “does not target any denomination or faith.”
Mutunzi, whose place of worship, Libre Methodist Church, was also shut down, said it had already started on rectifying things so members can resume meeting.
“At maximum capacity, our church can accommodate up to 1,200 worshippers, and local authorities found only one bathroom for either men or women and yet we had been advised to increase the number or restrooms.
“We were also advised to work on the parking lot, and to have a standard fire extinguisher and to install lightning conductors as part of the safety standards.”
Religious strength in Rwanda
Christianity is the largest religion in Rwanda.
In the East-Central African country, Protestantism and Catholicism are the dominant denominations with 48 per cent and 40 per cent membership respectively.
About three per cent of the populace practices other religions including traditional faith while approximately two per cent are Muslims (mainly Sunni). There is also a small population of Baha’is.